Human trafficking, which involves forcing adults or children into labor or sex acts, has become a worldwide problem. Here at the Neal Davis Law Firm, we have seen an escalation in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, including sex trafficking, and we expect this trend to continue.
For this reason, we have compiled a detailed and comprehensive report on human trafficking in the United States, with statistics and laws by state.
This new report reveals:
- The nature and types of human trafficking
- Human trafficking data statistics
- Increases in human trafficking during the coronavirus pandemic
- Human trafficking cases and arrests by state
- The 10 states with the highest number
- The 10 states with the lowest number of human trafficking cases
- Human trafficking laws and penalties for each state
We also explore the meaning of human trafficking as a crime and the seriousness of human trafficking and sexual exploitation crimes, particularly when they involve children.
Former NFL player Eric Johnson is 1 of 8 people accused of trafficking 4 women and 1 girl in Georgia. Learn about the prevalence of human trafficking and its penalties in Texas.
Long prison sentences and steep fines for trafficking in Texas
In Texas, human trafficking is a serious criminal offense. It is customarily a second-degree felony, but it becomes a first-degree felony when the victim is a minor (under 18 years old). Also in Texas, the crime of continuous trafficking of persons is a first-degree felony.
Penalties and punishments for a second-degree felony in Texas include state prison sentences of at least 2 years and up to 10 years, as well as a fine of up to $10,000. For a first-degree felony, punishments include at least 5 years and as many as 99 years—or life—in prison, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
Fines can rise even higher when there are multiple counts of a crime, and convicted persons also may have to pay money in restitution to victims.
For example, recently a Rockport, Texas man had to pay $85,000 in fines for multiple counts of sex trafficking, enticement of a child and conspiring to obstruct justice, as well as $172,000 in restitution to the victim. He was also sentenced to life in prison.
Years of experience handling human trafficking cases
The Neal Davis Law Firm has years of experience defending the legal rights of individuals who may be unjustly charged with human trafficking crimes. That includes handling state and federal cases in Texas and elsewhere, from the investigation phase through trial and, if necessary, through appeal.
Such legal help has become even more important with the rise in human trafficking charges by aggressive law enforcement in recent years. In the Houston area alone, massive human trafficking “stings” can net dozens of suspects at once.
Law officers try to snare as many persons as possible in their sting operations, but not every person who is arrested in a massive sting operation is guilty of a human trafficking crime.
Get an experienced human trafficking defense lawyer
If you or a member of your family faces a charge of human trafficking or other related charges, do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to explore a defense strategy. You have legal rights, and those rights must be protected.
The Neal Davis Law Firm not only is a resource for information about human trafficking crimes and statistics, as shown in our new report and elsewhere, but we also have the experience to help you.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your case.
